Criminal activity in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has risen by 10% in the third quarter of this year, in comparison to the same period last year. This information is evident from the report released by the Ministry of the Interior, which indicates that traditional crime (thefts, drug trafficking, and sexual offences) has surged by 14.6%, with 6,482 incidents recorded until last September, up from 5,658 the previous year. In contrast, cybercrime (computer fraud) has seen an increase of 4.6%, with 1,162 offences reported from January to September last year compared to 1,216 in 2024.
The cumulative total of criminal acts (traditional and cybercrime) in the capital stands at 12.9%, with 7,698 offences in 2024, compared to 6,820 in the same months of the previous year. When examining specific crimes, the most notable rise has been in violations of sexual freedom, with 90 occurrences in 2024, representing an increase of 16 from 2023. Moreover, sexual assaults involving penetration have escalated by 36.4%, increasing from 11 to 15 reported cases in 2024. Other sexual crimes have also risen by 19%, going from 63 to 75 incidents.
There has additionally been a 30.4% rise in forceful burglaries in homes, businesses, and other properties, with 163 offences documented in 2024, which is 38 more than in 2023. Furthermore, robberies involving violence and intimidation increased by 14.5% (from 117 to 134), while burglaries with force in residences accounted for a 9.6% rise (73 in 2023 compared to 80 in 2024). Similarly, intentional homicides and attempted murders surged by 100%, with 6 crimes recorded this year, whereas there were none in 2023.
In terms of thefts, the rate of offences in Santa Cruz experienced a rise of 9.2%, with 2,000 crimes reported in the last quarter of the year, which is 168 more than in 2023. On a different note, vehicle thefts increased from 100 to 125 offences (a 25% rise).
With respect to the cybercrime figures, the overall increase has been 4.6% over the year, with 141 cyber offences in 2024 compared to 113 in 2023; in addition, 1,075 cases of computer fraud were reported compared to 1,049 in 2023 (a 2.5% rise).
